Page 147 of Between Passion and Revenge: Part One

Then I say the part that feels so wrong.

“I’m moving to Massachusetts in a few months,”maybe,“I’m not about to start something I can’t finish.”

Yenn’s eyes soften, and she reaches out to squeeze my hand. “Good. Because you, my dear, are going to set the world on fire with that MBA. Don’t let anyone, not even a guy with a smile that could melt icebergs, stand in the way of that.”

After Yenn leaves, I lie back on my bed, staring at the ceiling. My mind is a whirlwind of thoughts, each one fighting for attention. I replay Yenn’s words, trying to convince myself she’s right. I shouldn’t be trying to start anything serious with Storm. Especially when I’m on the cusp of a new chapter in my life.

But my body betrays me, remembering the way Storm’s touch set me on fire, the way us dancing and singing in the kitchen had me floating on air.

I shake my head as if to dislodge the memories. I can’t afford to get lost in daydreams about a man who’s all wrong for me.

There are so many emotions surging through me at one time, and I can’t process them all.

Harvard MBA.

My parents and their expectations.

Storm Sandoval.

What the hell am I doing here, really?

“Tell me I don’t love you.”

God, that part of this is like walking on a tightrope. He didn’t just say it once. He said it three times.

And the problem is…I don’t think he’s joking. I think he’s completely serious.

For now.

Coming down from cloud nine hurts, but I have to face it: Storm Sandoval says he loves me, and I don’t know what to do about that.

Are you mine, Shae?

The muscles in my thighs tighten when I think about those words because damn, if him claiming me doesn’t have me in a spin. He says he’s as serious as a heart attack, and I believe him.

I believe I am Storm Sandoval’s girl.

But for how long?

Just have fun.

The thought is a whisper, but it’s the only idea that seems…not terrifying.

Just have fun with Storm. I can do that. I’ll leave the rest for Future Shae to figure out. I’ll let myself feel what I feel for Storm….

…I’ll feel the emotion that seems a whole lot like falling in love.

My phone buzzes, and I pick it up blindly, squinting with one eye to see the screen.

I need your pussy back in my mouth ASAP.

I smile.

This is simple. He has my body, and my heart is all tangled up in this. But as long as I remember the odds are against us, I’ll be safe.

I just need to stay rooted in reality.

With a newfound sense of determination, I send Storm a text.

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